Q. “If I’m sick, have an illness, or have a contagious condition, should I receive massage or bodywork?”  

A. Please do yourself and your therapist a favor and reschedule your appointment if you’re sick. If you receive massage or bodywork while you’re contagious, you run the risk of passing that sickness on to your therapist; in turn, he may unknowingly pass it on to all his other clients. It’s better for you to focus on giving your immune system the rest it needs to fight the illness. Your body (and your therapist) will thank you!

Massage Therapist/Educator, Kristin Coverly, LMT

Q. “With the seasons changing and the weather becoming cooler, what should I know about protecting my skin?”

A. Extreme cold and windy weather can strip the skin of intercellular lipids, allowing it to become dry, rough, and cracked. To counteract this: (1) discontinue use of detergent cleansers; instead, use low- or no-foaming cleansers; (2) use moisturizers that contain lipid ingredients called ceramides; (3) limit exposure to exfoliating products or drugs; and (4) use sunscreen when exposed to the environment.

Skin Care Educator/Product Developer/Therapist/Author, Mark Lees, PhD, MS, CIDESCO